1st of Verdant Season, Year 14,450, Grand Magus World
The Grand Magus World, a realm filled with powerful magic, consists of three distinct continents, each with its own unique attributes and cultures:
Arcanis: The heart of magical knowledge and power, where the ancient runes lie hidden and the greatest mage academies thrive. Magical creatures roam its lands, and powerful sorcerers make Arcanis their home.
Thaloria: A continent steeped in natural beauty, its vast forests, towering mountains, and deep valleys house elemental magicians who draw their power from nature itself. The people here live in harmony with the elements and are revered for their mastery of elemental magic.
Valandor: Known for its sprawling plains and vast deserts, this land is governed by powerful kingdoms and ancient traditions. The continent is also home to some of the strongest political powers in the world.
At the center of the Arcanis continent lies Arcathia, the capital of the Kingdom of Illyria. Arcathia is a hub of magical research and practice, with its grand towers piercing the sky and floating islands hovering in the air. Here, the elite magicians of the world gather, their pursuit of arcane knowledge unrelenting.
In the bustling inner district of Arcathia, a mysterious new shop has appeared without warning:
The Conclave of Relics. Its sudden appearance in the heart of the capital has caused quite a stir among the magical elite. The building itself is a relic of the past, ancient and grand, with its weathered stone blocks inscribed with faded carvings of forgotten gods and mythical beasts. The banner above the entrance reads: The Conclave of Relics.
Lucas, after acquiring a vast amount of wealth and treasures from the legacy of the 9th-layer Emptiness Ascension Realm cultivator, decided to open this shop. His desire to own a shop had been a lingering dream from his previous life, and now, in this new world, it was finally realized.
The sudden appearance of the Conclave, without any announcement or prelude, drew attention from all corners of Arcathia. Many speculated about its origins and the nature of its mysterious owner. Given the sheer size and grandeur of the building, and the magical aura surrounding it, no one dared to question it or act against it.
Clearly, whoever owned this shop had an extraordinary background.
On the second day after its opening, Arch Mage Edward, a Tier 8 mage known throughout the capital for his skill and knowledge, entered the Conclave.
Despite his status, Edward was immediately struck by the young man sitting behind the counter. The youth appeared to be no more than 20 years old, yet there was something about him—an aura of power that made Edward's heart skip a beat.
Upon closer inspection, Edward realized something even more disturbing: he could not gauge the youth's strength.
For someone of Edward's stature, being unable to measure another mage's power was almost unheard of.
This could only mean one thing—the young man before him was far more powerful than he appeared.
Edward, a man of experience, immediately lowered his posture and respectfully asked, "May I take a seat?"
Lucas, sitting behind the counter with an indifferent expression, took a moment before responding with a simple, "Yes."
As Edward sat down, his mind raced. Who was this youth, and what was his purpose in Arcathia? Despite his reservations, he decided to probe further. "Is your excellency here for trade only?"
Lucas responded with a question of his own, "What do you think?"
Edward, feeling the tension rise, pressed on. "I don't believe that someone of your strength would do anything without a purpose."
After a brief silence, Lucas replied, "I wanted to appease my curiosity. Opening a shop was a dream of mine when I was young. I think that answers your questions. Now, onto business. What would you like to buy?"
Edward could tell that Lucas wasn't keen on continuing the conversation about his background.
He decided not to push any further and instead focused on the reason for his visit. After some thought, he asked, "Do you have anything that can help me reach Tier 9?"
Lucas's response was calm and confident. "Of course, but the price will be expensive."
The very idea of such a treasure existing was enough to send a wave of excitement through Edward. Tier 9 was the realm of Arch Mages, and only a handful in the world had ever achieved that rank.
If this youth truly had something that could help him break through, then he was no ordinary mage.
Edward's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "What is the price?"
Before answering, Lucas produced a document and laid it on the counter.
"Before we discuss the price, you'll need to sign a silent contract."
Edward, knowing the seriousness of such a contract, hesitated for a moment. But the potential reward was too great. He nodded and signed without further delay.
Once the contract was signed, Lucas placed a vial on the counter.
"This is the Rebirth Potion. It will not only increase your aptitude but also your strength. The first time you consume it, you'll have the potential to ascend to the Demigod level, Tier 10."
Edward's heart raced.
A potion that could elevate a mage to Tier 10? Such a thing was beyond rare—it was legendary.
"And the price?" Edward asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Lucas's eyes gleamed as he spoke, "To become the High Councillor in the Truth Order."
Edward's face turned pale.
The Truth Order was a shadowy organization, whispered about in the highest circles of power.
It was said to be one of the ruling factions behind the scenes in the Grand Magus World, with only the most powerful mages as members. Its leader, known as The Prophet, was rumored to possess powers beyond the 12th tier.
To be offered a position within the Truth Order, let alone that of High Councillor, was an offer beyond anything Edward had ever dreamed of.
He would be joining an organization with the power to shape the world, and he would serve directly under the Prophet.
"Are you… the Prophet?" Edward asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Lucas smiled faintly. "In the flesh."
Edward immediately fell to one knee, his respect for the young man before him now mixed with awe and reverence. "Greetings to the Prophet," he said.
Lucas, pleased with Edward's submission, slid the vial toward him. "Welcome to the Truth Order."
With trembling hands, Edward took the vial. He had just made a deal with one of the most powerful beings in the world, and his future was now tied to the fate of the Truth Order.